Orange Cranberry Bread

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There’s something incredibly cozy about a warm slice of Orange Cranberry Bread on a crisp morning. With its bright citrusy notes and tart cranberries tucked into a soft, golden loaf, this quick bread is a holiday favorite and a year-round treat. It’s not overly sweet, allowing the natural zing of orange zest and juice to shine through. Paired with your morning coffee or served as an afternoon snack, it offers that perfect balance of refreshing and comforting.

Whether you love baking or just need something special (yet easy!) for brunch or gifting, this bread delivers. It comes together in one bowl, no mixer required, and the aroma alone is worth making it. You can drizzle it with a simple orange glaze or enjoy it as is. It also freezes beautifully, so you can always have a loaf ready for unexpected guests or those citrus-cranberry cravings.

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What Kind of Orange and Cranberries Should I Use?

For the best flavor, use fresh orange zest and juice from a navel orange or Cara Cara orange. The natural oils in the zest give the bread its vibrant citrus flavor. If you’re short on time, bottled juice works, but fresh is best.

As for cranberries, both fresh and frozen work great. No need to thaw frozen cranberries—just toss them in with a light dusting of flour so they don’t sink. Dried cranberries can be used too, but soak them in warm water or orange juice for about 10 minutes to plump them up.

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Ingredients for the Orange Cranberry Bread

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup orange juice (preferably fresh)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (or ¾ cup dried, soaked)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional glaze: ½ cup powdered sugar + 1-2 tablespoons orange juice

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How To Make the Orange Cranberry Bread

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl (or directly into the dry mix if you’re careful), whisk the orange juice, oil, eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract (if using) until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine and Fold in Cranberries

Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir just until no dry flour remains. Gently fold in the cranberries, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice for a quick glaze and drizzle over the cooled loaf.

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Serving and Storing This Zesty Bread

Serve slices slightly warm or at room temperature. It’s fantastic plain or with a smear of butter. For entertaining, a citrus glaze adds a nice touch of sparkle.

This bread stays moist for days. Wrap it in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices or the whole loaf for up to 2 months.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use lemon instead of orange?

Yes! Swap the orange juice and zest for lemon to create a lemon cranberry version. It’s tangier but equally delicious.

Do I need to thaw frozen cranberries?

Nope! Just toss them in frozen. If you’re worried about them sinking, dust lightly with flour before mixing them into the batter.

Can I make this gluten-free?

You can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Results may vary slightly, but it generally works well.

What if I don’t have orange zest?

Zest gives the bread its signature flavor, but if you don’t have it, increase the orange juice slightly and consider adding a drop of orange extract.

Is this bread overly sweet?

Not at all. It’s lightly sweetened to let the orange and cranberry flavors shine. You can reduce the sugar to ¾ cup if you prefer less sweetness.

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Want More Quick Bread Ideas?

If this Orange Cranberry Bread made your kitchen smell like a bakery, you might want to try more flavorful twists from the site:

• Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe
• Lemon Loaf Recipe
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Bread
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars for a dessert-style indulgence.
• Pistachio Cheesecake Brownies for a rich, festive treat.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast or brunch board so it’s always easy to find.

And tell me how yours turned out in the comments! Did you go with fresh or dried cranberries? Add a glaze or keep it simple?

Your feedback and questions help me (and other readers) make these recipes even better. And if you’re hungry for more daily kitchen inspiration, follow me on Pinterest at Nina Dishes.

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